PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Points of Order - 8 February 2023 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. In her reply to me, the Home Secretary did not answer the specific question that I put to her, which was whether or not she was prepared to meet Zara Mohammed from the Muslim Council of Britain to discuss her statement. It is normal for a Member who asks a question of a Minister following a statement to be given an answer. It may not be the answer that the Member wants, but at least it will be an answer. The Home Secretary made no attempt whatsoever to answer my question, and I should like that to be placed on the record.

The right hon. Gentleman has obviously placed his view on the record. I am not, of course, responsible for the replies of Ministers, but he has been heard.

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. On 16 January Mr Speaker circulated an update on David Carrick, a former Metropolitan police officer who had worked in the parliamentary and diplomatic protection command here in Parliament. Carrick had pleaded guilty to 85 serious offences, including 48 charges of rape against women, and yesterday he was sentenced to a minimum term of 30 years in prison.

As you will know, Madam Deputy Speaker, the Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police said that many of Carrick’s crimes took place in Hertfordshire, where he lived. She also said that victims of this former officer might have felt unable to come forward sooner because he had told them that they would not be believed. Do you agree, Madam Deputy Speaker, that every Member of this House should praise the courage of the survivors who came forward, and join me in amplifying the cause of Hertfordshire constabulary in its appeal for any further survivors to come forward as well, knowing that they will—they absolutely will—be believed?

I am sure that all Members would encourage anyone to come forward in the circumstances described by the hon. Lady. I am also sure that she appreciates that this is not really a matter for the Chair, but she has put her view on the record and it will have been heard.